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Canada Concerned by Arrest of Two Canadians in Egypt

August 18, 2013 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement:

“The Government of Canada is very concerned that two Canadian citizens have been arrested in Egypt.

“I can confirm that Canadian consular officials have visited the two Canadians and have been in contact with their families.

“This afternoon, I spoke with a senior Egyptian official to request confirmation of the nature of the charges and call for all evidence against the two Canadians be released. Canadian officials are also in contact with local authorities to receive more information on the nature of these charges.

“Canada firmly believes that implementing a transparent, democratic system that respects the voices of all Egyptians, including members of civil society and religious minorities, is the best way to restore calm and give all Egyptians a stake in the future stability and prosperity of their country. The two parties must immediately sit down together, reconcile their differences and work tirelessly to halt this deadly standoff. We urge all Egyptians to show restraint and resolve in the coming days.